The Belarusian Railway is introducing a new currency conversion coefficient for calculating tariffs in international freight traffic. From April 1 to June 30, 2026, rates will be recalculated based on a coefficient of 0.79 Swiss francs per US dollar.
The solution applies to all international transportation, where fares are calculated in Swiss francs, which are traditionally used as the base settlement currency in the railway system of the countries of the 1520 gauge area.
The change in the coefficient directly affects the cost of transportation, which is paid in US dollars. At the established value of 0.79, the cost of transportation, expressed in dollars, becomes lower compared to the base tariff rate in francs.
For participants in foreign economic activity, this means a significant reduction in transportation costs. According to the calculations of industry market participants, the actual reduction in the cost of transportation through the territory of Belarus can reach about 21 percent.
Belarusian transit plays an important role in the logistics of Eurasia. Railway routes connecting Russia, the EAEU countries and European markets, as well as part of cargo traffic from China, pass through the country.
Reducing the cost of transit can stimulate the growth of transportation in these areas. This creates additional opportunities for Russian exporters to adjust contract prices and increase the competitiveness of supplies.
Importers also get the opportunity to review logistics schemes and financial calculations. Changes in the tariff base may affect the structure of transportation costs in supply chains.
Experts note that such changes are especially important for companies working with large shipments of raw materials, industrial products and containerized cargo. Even small fare changes on long railway routes can significantly affect the total cost of delivery.
Due to the change in the coefficient, foreign economic activity participants are advised to update transportation cost calculations in advance and coordinate new price parameters with partners before the beginning of the second quarter.
Decisions on the adjustment of tariff coefficients are made by a special commission of the Belarusian Railway. Meetings are held regularly twice a month — on the first and third Tuesdays.
This system allows you to quickly respond to currency fluctuations and maintain the relevance of tariff policy in international transportation.
